This site may not work properly using older versions of Edge and Internet Explorer. You should upgrade your browser to the latest Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, or any other modern browser of your choice. Click here for more information.
Your Stories
This is where we tell your stories, cover topical issues and promote meaningful initiatives.
Student story: Back to the country way
Perth nursing student Bethany Egbers completed her WA Country Placement seaside, an 8-hour journey south in the picturesque town of Esperance. There, she quickly discovered a new sense of independence; connected with a family member she had not met before; and developed lasting friendships, professional relationships, and experiences that she’ll fondly cherish as she moves into her nursing career.
I recently completed my Stage 5 WA Country Placement for a month in Esperance, located about 8 hours south of Perth. I carried out my placement in the Emergency Department of the Esperance Hospital.
I grew up in a small country town in Victoria. However, since moving to WA when I was twelve, our family has been living in the central suburbs of WA. I absolutely love where we live but I have always missed the country’s way of life and how it feels like home.
When I learned that my university provided WA Country Placements, I was extremely excited to experience one. I have travelled to Esperance a few times before and knew of its small-town energy and extremely beautiful coastline.
When I was accepted for placement down there, I was absolutely ecstatic. I ventured into the 8‑hour drive in my small hatchback, which was an experience in itself, and when I arrived, I had already found a new sense of independence.
I stayed with a member of my extended family whom I had never met. However, he made me feel so welcome and comfortable in his home where I would stay for the duration of my placement.
I began my placement the next day at the hospital which was a five-minute drive from where I was staying. One of the many things I loved about Esperance was that everywhere was only a five-minute drive away.
From my first day of placement, I felt welcomed, included and a valuable part of the ED department. All the staff on the ward were so helpful and full of knowledge. I found that this hospital was not as busy as metro hospitals, therefore the nurses were able to explain things thoroughly and allow me to initiate care and take patient loads, really helping my experience and confidence.
My CNM was also really supportive and allowed the other student and me to choose our roster to allow for family to visit, or for us to travel home if we wanted. The doctors on the ward treated me as a nurse and I established an awesome interprofessional relationship with them.
Being a rural placement, I got to see all sorts of emergencies, illnesses, and quick surgeries which I’ll get to take with me in my nursing career. The beautiful coastline of Esperance was only a five-minute drive away, where I would go every day before or after my placement. It truly was the best place to have a nursing placement.
I left my placement with new friendships formed with RNs, a huge amount of nursing experience and newfound independence as a person. I couldn’t recommend it more.
Bethany’s placement was supported by a CRANAplus Undergraduate Remote Placement Scholarship.
Click for more information or to apply for an Undergraduate Remote Placement Scholarship.